D.C. United announced today plans for Ben Olsen to be inducted into the D.C. United Hall of Tradition, presented by GEICO. The iconic midfielder earned United’s most prestigous honor having garnered 81% of the fan vote on dcunited.com. Olsen will be inducted in a ceremony on September 15 when United faces the New England Revolution. Kickoff for the match is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
RELATED: Celebrate Ben Olsen's night, buy tickets to Saturday's match.
“It’s appropriate that Ben Olsen is joining his former teammates in the Hall of Tradition,” said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. “His service to our club has always been exemplary, and he’s now writing a new chapter in our club’s history as our coach. He remains the heart and soul of our team.”
A skilled and fiery midfielder, Olsen is among the most popular players to ever don the Black-and-Red. Olsen joined D.C. United in 1998 as a highly regarded prospect out of the University of Virginia, with his stellar 11-year playing career boosted by an unwavering commitment to the club. Olsen played a part in two MLS Cup titles (1999 and 2004), three Supporters’ Shields (1999, 2006 and 2007), 1998 Champions’ Cup and InterAmerican Cup victories, and a U.S. Open Cup championship (2008). Individually, he was a member of the 2007 MLS Best XI, was the 1999 MLS Cup MVP, was honored as an All-Star on five occasions (1998, 1999, 2001, 2004 and 2006), and was the 1998 MLS Rookie of the Year and the 2003 USSF MLS Humanitarian of the Year. Olsen retired on November 24, 2009, ranking second in for the club in all-time MLS games played and started (221 and 200, respectively), second in minutes played (17, 098), third in assists (49), and seventh in goals (29).
“I am honored that the D.C. United faithful have put me in the Hall of Tradition,” said Olsen. “The support I’ve received from our fans during my time here has been overwhelming and I can only hope to repay them with success on the field with our current team. This organization has given me a great deal in my life and to be in its Hall of Tradition alongside players that have mentored me throughout my career is something I will always cherish.”
